Ningsia / Ningxia Antique Rugs and Carpets

Ningxia rugs are among the oldest antique Chinese rugs or carpets, many going back to the eighteenth century or earlier. They also tend to be among the more reserved and formal, even austere Chinese rugs. Their coloration is soft and subdued with dominant use of soft saffron yellow and ivory, accented by contrasting blues. Their composition is classically Chinese - open, balanced, and stately with dragon, cloudband, and fretwork motifs. Because of their fine technique, restraint and classic character, Ningsia carpets have often been held to products of imperial Chinese workshops.